Michael-ben-Pesach Portnaar is born in 1947 in the Ukraine. In the seventies he was an official student at the Talmud-academy in Moscow, in that time the only institution in this field in Russia. Since 1975 he lives in Amsterdam. In 1981 he received his master degree at the University of Amsterdam at the faculty of Humanities. During the nineties he obtained the degree doctor of philosophy at the International Academy of Information Sciences (see Diploma). At the same time he studied at the faculty for Hebrew/Aramaic and Jewish studies at the University of Amsterdam. Then he ‘discovered’ the true Kabbalah from the greatest Kabbalist ever, the divine AR”I (r. Luria Ashkenasi). His method is in general called ‘the Lurian Kabbalah’. Michael is faithful to AR”I. To him AR”I is the only and true teacher of Kabbalah.

However, in the Kabbalah one doesn’t become a rabbi by means of a diploma (smiha), a piece of paper which will become worn, and is received from someone… The Kabbalah is not a religion but the original method for the personal spiritual fulfillment and well-being. The only greatest kabbalist `whispers’ softly in the ears of the disciple of his choice, ordaining him privately as a rabbi. This is sufficient to become a true rabbi of Kabbalah. Therefore, in the field of spirituality a student is as it were `burdened’ with it, because his great teacher stipulates that he has to pass on further the holy method.

In the beginning of 2002 Michael Portnaar received his life’s dedication. Gently yet expressively, he was requested to reveal the Lurian Kabbalah to humanity IN THE PRACTICE OF EVERYDAY’S LIFE. On Michael’s response: “They will not believe me”, Luria answered: “You are my true disciple and you are rabbi for your entire generation. Break Kabbalah open!” For this reason Michael does not hide it anymore.

His method, all his knowledge and experience he transmits to his students and teachers in training around the whole world and in particular in the Netherlands and Belgium, he draws on the Lurian Kabbalah and the Zohar. He studies manuscripts and books from the most secret sources in their original languages – Aramaic and Hebrew. In the Netherlands, in 2002, Michael-ben-Pesach Portnaar set up the educational Centre for Lurian Kabbalah (CLK). He gives ongoing courses in Amsterdam, open to everyone. It is also possible to follow this study online www.kabbalah-arizal.nl

For more information contact us by Mail!.